Answer

India’s northeastern region, sharing borders with five Southeast Asian nations, is geographically and culturally positioned to be the fulcrum of India’s Act East Policy (AEP). It can enhance connectivity, trade, and regional integration with ASEAN, but this requires simultaneous resolution of internal conflicts, ecological sensitivity, and inclusive development.

Internal Conflicts, Environmental Concerns, and Development Aspirations in the Northeast

• Ethnic and Communal Tensions: Longstanding ethnic rivalries between communities like Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur, and unresolved tribal and refugee issues (e.g., Bru refugees), frequently erupt into violence.
• Unresolved Insurgency and Peace Agreements: Though the NSCN-IM Framework Agreement (2015) and Bodo Accord (2020) marked progress, delays in implementation have caused dissatisfaction.
• Environmental Vulnerabilities and Protests: The region is prone to floods, landslides, and earthquakes, making large-scale infrastructure projects risky.
  Example: The proposed mega hydroelectric project on the Siang River has sparked outrage among indigenous communities over fears of displacement, environmental harm, and cultural loss.
• Border Disputes Among States: Historical boundaries continue to spark conflict between states.
  Example: Violent border clashes between India’s north-eastern states of Assam and Mizoram.
• Aspiration for Inclusive Development and Connectivity: People demand better healthcare, education, employment, and connectivity while retaining their cultural identity.

How the Northeast Can Serve as a Strategic Gateway for the Act East Policy

• Geographic Advantage: Sharing borders with five countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Nepal), the Northeast is ideally positioned for cross-border trade.
  Example: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects Mizoram with Myanmar and onwards to Southeast Asia.
• Infrastructure for Regional Connectivity: Enhanced road, rail, and air connectivity supports export routes and foreign investment.
  Example: The Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and ongoing highway expansion under Bharatmala are critical assets.
• Cultural and Historical Ties: The region’s ethnic and cultural affinities with Southeast Asia can enhance people-to-people and tourism linkages.
  Example: Buddhism in Arunachal Pradesh and tribal ties with Myanmar help deepen cultural diplomacy.
• Emerging Investment Hub: Improved law and order and green potential attract domestic and foreign investors.
  Example: Tata Group’s ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant in Assam is a landmark industrial investment.
• Potential in Energy and Natural Resources: The region can export hydroelectricity and resources to neighboring countries under bilateral agreements.
  Example: Hydropower from Arunachal could be shared under India-Bhutan and India-Bangladesh energy partnerships.
  

Way Forward: Addressing Internal Conflicts, Environmental Concerns, and Development Aspirations

For Resolve Internal Conflicts 

• Reinforce Political Dialogues with Insurgent Groups: Restart and expedite peace negotiations like the stalled Naga peace process, ensuring all stakeholder groups (including civil society and tribal bodies) are involved.
• Strengthen Implementation of Existing Accords: Follow up on signed agreements like the Bodo Peace Accord (2020) and Bru-Reang Settlement, with transparent monitoring mechanisms.
  Example: Over 34,000 displaced Brus from Mizoram are being permanently resettled in Tripura under this pact, with ₹600 crore allocated by the Centre (MHA).
• Address Inter-State Border Disputes: Promote regional boundary commissions and structured mediation by the Centre to resolve disputes like Assam-Mizoram or Assam-Meghalaya.
  

To Promote Environmentally Sustainable Development

• Adopt Community-Led Ecological Assessment: Ensure local participation in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for infrastructure projects and introduce free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) protocols for tribal areas.
  Example: Protests in Dibang and Siang valleys of Arunachal against mega-dams highlight the need for inclusive consultation.
• Prioritise Low-Impact Energy Alternatives: Shift focus from large hydropower to micro-hydro, solar, and wind energy projects suited for fragile ecosystems.
• Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure Planning: Incorporate seismic, flood, and landslide risk assessments in all major transport and power projects.
  

To Bridge Development Aspirations with Regional Integration

• Expand Connectivity Through Inclusive Planning: Ensure last-mile access to national infrastructure by prioritising rural roads, telecom, and internet in remote areas.
  Example: PM Gati Shakti and Udan 5.0 are extending road and air connectivity.
• Promote Local Skill and Entrepreneurship Development: Expand livelihood schemes like TRIFED’s Van Dhan Yojana, Skill India Mission, and Start-up India for NE entrepreneurs, with targeted tribal inclusion.
• Integrate NE Aspirations into Act East Policy: Formulate a dedicated Northeast component of India’s foreign trade strategy with Southeast Asia, ensuring local industries like handicrafts, agro-forestry, and tourism benefit.
  Example: The India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway can boost cross-border trade via Manipur and Mizoram if local supply chains are developed

To make the Northeast a strategic gateway under the Act East Policy, India must ensure peace, ecological preservation, and inclusive development through diplomacy, local empowerment, sustainable infrastructure, and inter-state cooperation, balancing progress with its rich social and ecological heritage.

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